The World of Information Security Types and Definitions

by
Jon M. Stout
April6, 2010

The world of information security attacks and threats in growing in power and sophistication with nation backed Cyber attacks emerging. Although constituting isolated attacks so far the new wave of Cyber attacks are more prevalent and dangerous. And, with the advent of (often hostile) national involvement in Cyber offensives, the risk to our nation’s National Security is real and potentially devastating.

And we, as a nation, are not ready to defend against a coordinated, powerful Cyber attack from within and well from beyond our shores. Although substantial dollars are budgeted for Information and Cyber security, the management and planning for an effective long term defense against Cyber terrorists. Greater effort on planning and organizing defenses and offensive scenarios of Cyber Security is required and one of the first steps is the definition of Cyber/Information Terms and concepts.

The world of Information Assurance/Cyber Security is very broad and many of the terms are often used interchangeably and many times wrong when defining a particular Information Assurance problem. What is needed to help reduce the high level of confusion is a list of standard terms that are universally accepted. A sample (but not exclusive listing ) of terms can be found at Information Security Types. This guide brings precision to the term usage of Cyber world terminoloby and provides a starting point or framework of understanding.